by Marc and Julie Anderson
mjanderson@theleaven.org
OVERLAND PARK – Are you ready to swing “fore” a good cause?
If so, mark your calendars for April 17’s “Teeing Off for Two: Supporting Mothers and Babies, One Swing at a Time,” an event at Topgolf in Overland Park to support the ministry of Nativity House KC.
Even if you’ve never “teed off,” you can “chip in” your financial support and help score “a hole-in-one” for Nativity House KC at the 6–9 p.m. fundraiser featuring climate-controlled hitting bays, games for all skill levels, a barbecue buffet, a silent auction and remarks by Archbishop Shawn McKnight.
Participants will also have the opportunity to learn more about Nativity House KC and meet mothers who are now thriving, thanks to the efforts of the organization’s staff and volunteers, including Kelly Werkowitch.
Werkowitch began her affiliation with the organization in 2017 as a volunteer. In 2018, she became the executive director serving in that role until this past summer, when she was named the development director.
Now, Werkowitch raises not only money for Nativity House KC, but also awareness of the need for its residential and community-based services. She hopes many throughout the archdiocese will consider participating in “Teeing Off for Two” to learn more about its mission, its programs, and the mothers and families it has served since its founding in 2014.
Nativity House KC exists to “provide shelter, education, hope, healing and services in a faith-based environment for pregnant adult women who are experiencing homelessness,” according to its website.
Werkowitch said the ministry provides that housing, mentorship, education and spiritual development at no cost to the mother. Additionally, staff and volunteers promote and encourage the pursuit of higher education and career development. At any given time, Nativity House KC can provide shelter for up to five mothers, but as Werkowitch explained, there’s a great need for other services.
Relying upon a recently hired dedicated case manager, Werkowitch said, has allowed the organization to increase its community-based services.
“We can reach the mothers in our community that may not necessarily need residential care services, but need that case management, the referrals, materials (diapers, wipes, etc.) — everything we need for those babies — [and] making sure that she’s getting to her OB appointments,” she said.
“It’s about changing one life while saving another,” she added, “and sometimes that takes time and resources. We encourage our moms to further their education, whether that’s completing high school or whether that’s completing technical school or college.”
All of Nativity House KC’s services are faith-based.
“Your spiritual life is a journey, and sometimes God calls us to plant a seed,” she said. “Sometimes God calls us to kind of grow that seed. And being able to just witness our faith, you know, actively in serving God and having Mass [to which] all of the moms are encouraged and invited to join us. We also offer prayer groups and Bible studies within our programs as well. It’s just a beautiful component that we’re able to share and witness God’s mercy and love and grace and guidance.”
For more information about Nativity House KC, its services and “Teeing Off for Two,” go online to: nativityhousekc.org.
